Modern technologies have touched all spheres of human life. Perhaps the textile industry is the most striking example of science put at the service of everyday life. Thanks to chemical synthesis, man has learned to obtain fibers with desired properties. Distinguish between artificial and synthetic fabrics.
Synthetics are made from polymers obtained through certain chemical reactions. The raw materials for it are petroleum products, natural gas or coal. Overalls, protective clothing for extreme conditions, and sports uniforms are made from synthetic fabrics with special properties.
Artificial fibers are produced by physical processing of raw materials. The most famous example of such a fabric is viscose obtained from cellulose (wood).
Synthetic fiber fabrics have several advantages and disadvantages compared to natural materials.
General properties of synthetic fibers
Despite all its diversity, most artificial materials have common features. The advantages of synthetic fabrics include the following qualities.
- Longevity . Artificial fabrics have increased wear resistance, are not susceptible to decay, damage by pests and molds. Special technology of bleaching and subsequent dyeing of the fiber provides color fastness. Some groups of synthetic fabrics are unstable to sunlight.
- Lightness . Synthetic clothing weighs much less than its natural counterparts.
- Dry quickly. Most synthetic fibers do not absorb moisture or have water-repellent properties, that is, they have low hygroscopicity.
- Due to large-scale industrial production and low cost of raw materials, most artificial fabrics have a low cost. During production, they receive high labor productivity and low cost, which stimulates the development of the industry. Many manufacturers adjust the technological characteristics of the material in accordance with the wishes of large customers.
Disadvantages are caused by the fact that artificial material can adversely affect a living organism.
- Synthetics builds up static electricity (electrifies).
- Allergies, individual intolerance to chemical components are possible.
- Most artificial fabrics do not absorb moisture well - respectively, do not absorb sweat and have low hygienic properties.
- Do not let air in - it is also important for the production of clothes and linen.
Some properties of synthetic fabrics can have both positive and negative meanings, depending on how the material is used. For example, if the fabric does not allow air to pass through, it is unhygienic for everyday wear. But outer clothing made of such material will be very appropriate for protection from adverse weather conditions.
Synthetic Fabrics
The first patents for the invention of synthetic fibers relate to the period of the 30s of the last century. In 1932, Germany mastered the production of polyvinyl chloride fiber. In 1935, polyamide was synthesized in the laboratory of the American company DuPont. The material is called "nylon." Its industrial production began in 1938, and a year later it was widely used in the textile industry.
In the USSR, the course towards the widespread introduction of the achievements of chemical science was taken in the 60s. Initially, synthetics were perceived as a cheap substitute for natural fabrics, then they began to use it for the manufacture of overalls and protective suits. As the scientific base developed, fabrics with various properties began to be created. New polymers have undeniable advantages over natural fabrics: they are lighter, stronger and more resistant to aggressive environments.
Artificial and synthetic fabrics differ by the method of manufacture and indicators of the economy of production. Raw materials for the production of synthetics are much cheaper and more affordable, which is why this particular industry has received a priority in development. Fiber macromolecules are synthesized from low molecular weight compounds. Modern technologies provide obtaining material with predetermined characteristics.
Threads are formed from melts or solutions. They can be single, complex or in the form of tows to obtain fibers of a certain length (then yarn is made from them). In addition to filaments, film materials and stamped products (footwear and clothing parts) are formed from the original synthetic mass.
Varieties of synthetics
Several thousand chemical fibers have now been invented, and new materials appear every year. According to the chemical structure, all types of synthetic fabrics are divided into two groups: carbochain and heterochain. Each group is divided into subgroups that have similar physical and operational properties.
Carbose Synthetics
The chemical chain of a macromolecule of carbochain synthetic tissues consists mainly of carbon atoms (hydrocarbons). The following subgroups are distinguished in the group:
- polyacrylonitrile;
- polyvinyl chloride;
- polyvinyl alcohol;
- polyethylene;
- polypropylene.
Hetero-chain synthetics
These are fabrics made of synthetic fibers, the molecular composition of which, in addition to carbon, includes atoms of other elements: oxygen, nitrogen, fluorine, chlorine, sulfur. Such inclusions give the source material additional properties.
Types of synthetic fabrics of the hetero-chain group:
- polyester;
- polyamide;
- polyurethane.
Lycra: polyurethane synthetic fabrics
Names used by trading corporations: elastane, lycra, spandex, neolan, dorlastan. Polyurethane threads are capable of reversible mechanical deformations (like rubber). Elastane is able to stretch 6-7 times, freely returning to its original state. It has low temperature stability: when the temperature rises to +120 ° , the fiber loses its elasticity.
Polyurethane threads are not used in their pure form - they are used as a frame, winding other fibers around. A material containing such synthetics has elasticity, is well stretched, elastic, resistant to abrasion, and allows air to pass through perfectly. Things made of fabrics with the addition of polyurethane threads do not wrinkle and retain their original shape, are resistant to light, and retain their original color for a long time. It is not recommended to wring the fabric strongly, twist it, dry it in a stretched form.
Kapron: polyamide synthetics
The material got its name due to the amide group that is part of the tissue. Kapron and nylon are the most famous representatives of this group. Main properties: increased strength, holds its shape well, is not subject to decay, lightweight. At one time, kapron replaced the silk used for the manufacture of parachutes.
The synthetic fibers of the polyamide group have low resistance to elevated temperatures (begins to melt at +215 ° C), they turn yellow in the light and under the influence of sweat. The material does not absorb moisture and dries quickly, accumulates static electricity and does not retain heat well. It produces women's tights and leggings. Capron and nylon are introduced into the composition of the fabric in an amount of 10-15%, which increases the strength of natural materials without compromising their hygienic properties. Socks and knitwear are made from such materials .
Other trade names for the synthetic materials of the polyamide group are: Anide, Perlon, Meryl, Taslan, Jordan and Helanka.
Velsoft is a thick fabric with a pile that competes with mahre. From it sew baby clothes, bathrobes and pajamas, household items (towels and rugs). The material is pleasant to the touch, passes air well, does not crease, does not sit, does not fade. It is steady against washing, dries quickly. A printed pattern does not fade with time.
Lavsan: polyester fibers
Polyester synthetics have increased elasticity, wear resistance, fabrics from it do not sit down, do not wrinkle and hold their shape well. The main advantage in comparison with other groups of synthetic fabrics is increased heat resistance (can withstand over +170 ° C). The material is tough, does not absorb moisture, does not collect dust, does not fade in the sun. In its pure form, it is used for the manufacture of curtains and curtains. In a mixture with natural fibers used for the manufacture of dress and costume fabrics, as well as material for coats and faux fur. Polyester fiber provides resistance to abrasion and creasing, and natural threads determine the hygiene that synthetic fabrics do not have. Names of fabrics made of polyester materials: lavsan, polyester, terylene, trevira, tergal, diolen, dacron.
Fleece is a synthetic soft fabric made of polyester, similar in appearance to sheep's wool. Clothing made of fleece is soft, light, warm, breathable, elastic. The material is easy to wash, dries quickly and does not need to be ironed. Fleece does not cause allergies, therefore it is widely used for the manufacture of children's clothing. Over time, the fabric stretches and loses its shape.
Polysatin is made from polyester in pure form or in combination with cotton. The material is dense, smooth and slightly shiny. It dries quickly, does not sit, does not wear out, does not fade. They are used for the manufacture of bedding, household products (curtains, tablecloths, upholstery for furniture), home clothes, ties and scarves. 3D bedding that is very popular today is made of polysatin.
Acrylic: polyacrylonitrile materials
In terms of mechanical properties, it is close to wool fibers, which is why acrylic is sometimes called “artificial wool”. Synthetics are resistant to sunlight, it is heat-resistant, perfectly holds its shape. Does not absorb moisture, tough, electrified, abrasion.
Used in combination with wool for the manufacture of fabrics for furniture, children's mattresses, tailoring of outerwear and the manufacture of faux fur. Acrylic does not form spools, which makes it an indispensable addition to wool yarn for knitting. Combined yarn items are less stretched, they are more durable and light.
Trade names for polyacrylonitrile materials: acrylan, nitron, kashmilon, dralon, dolan, orlon.
Spectrum and dinem: polyolefin fibers
In this group, polyethylene and polypropylene fibers are distinguished . The lightest of all types of synthetics, polyolefin materials do not drown in water, are characterized by low hygroscopicity and good thermal insulation properties, the elongation of the fiber is practically zero. They have low temperature stability - up to +115 ° . They are used to create two-layer materials for sewing sports and fishing clothes, filter and upholstery materials, tarpaulins, and carpets. In combination with natural fibers - for the production of underwear and hosiery.
Trade names: Spectrum, Dyneema, Tekmilon, Herculon, Ulstren, Found, Meraclone.
Polyvinyl Chloride Synthetic Fabrics
The material is characterized by high resistance to chemically aggressive substances, low electrical conductivity and instability to temperature influences (it is destroyed at 100 ° C). After heat treatment it shrinks.
In its pure form, protective clothing is made from it. With its help, a dense synthetic fabric is obtained - artificial leather, artificial fur and carpets are also made.
Trade names: teviron, chlorin, vignon.
Polyvinyl alcohol fiber
This group includes vinol, mtilan, vinylon, curalon, vinalon. They have all the advantages of synthetics: durable, wear-resistant, resistant to light and temperature influences. The tensile and elasticity are average. A distinctive feature is that they absorb moisture well, products from synthetic fabrics of this group have high hygroscopicity, comparable to the properties of cotton products. Under the influence of water, the vinol lengthens and shrinks a little, its strength decreases. Compared to other chemical fibers, it is less resistant to chemical influences.
Vinol is used for the manufacture of clothing, underwear, in combination with cotton and viscose - for the production of hosiery. The material does not roll, does not wipe, has a pleasant shine. The lack of products from vinol - they are quickly contaminated.
Mtilan is used for the production of surgical sutures.
The combination of different fibers gives interesting technological characteristics. A vivid example is microfiber, widely known today. It is made from a combination of nylon and polyester fibers. Microfiber does not roll, does not fade, has increased hygroscopicity, and dries quickly. It is used for the production of knitted fabrics, woven and non-woven fabrics. The softness and wear resistance of the final product vary depending on the thickness of the fiber and its modifications. Microfibre is not mixed with other fibers, product care is extremely simple - they are not afraid of washing, dry cleaning and temperature effects. Due to the many air pores, the fabric helps maintain optimal body temperature, but at the same time perfectly protects against wind. Microfiber is used to make sportswear and outerwear, home textiles, napkins and cleaning sponges.
As you can see, chemically synthesized fibers are widely used in the manufacture of consumer goods. They make sportswear and overalls, fabrics for furniture and interior decoration, the whole range of everyday clothes: from underwear to materials for coats and faux fur. Modern fabrics have several advantages that are not available to their predecessors: they can be hygroscopic, “breathable” and retain heat well. The combination of various fibers in one thread, as well as the creation of multilayer fabrics allow manufacturers to fully satisfy the needs of the modern world.